Final EHR meaningful use rules released

Michele M. Zembo, MD, MBA

Temporary rules on EHR certification also released The electronic health record (EHR) train continues to roll. The Health Information Technology for Economical and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 got the train on the track; the recently released temporary rules for EHR certification and final ‘meaningful use’ criteria are keeping the momentum going.

Hettrich, Mather named Washington Health Policy Fellows

Carolyn M. Hettrich, MD, MPH, and Richard C. Mather III, MD, have been selected as the 2010 Washington Health Policy Fellows. Carolyn M. Hettrich, MD, MPH Dr. Hettrich, who received her MD from the University of Washington School of Medicine and her masters’ in public health from Columbia University, is currently completing a sports medicine/shoulder surgery fellowship at Vanderbilt University. “I believe that numerous changes to the current heathcare system are needed.

Becoming a political player

Alan S. Routman, MD

A personal journey down the halls of power Politics is not a spectator sport. If you are sitting in the stands, you are obviously not in the game. What does it take to have a seat on the bench instead of behind the dugout? How can you become a player in the political arena? I believe it requires a commitment to be involved and a willingness to participate for the long haul. Just like anything else of importance, if you want to do it well, you must do it right.

Making August count

Lauren Bates

Recess offers advocacy opportunities The August congressional recess provides an excellent opportunity to meet with your elected representatives in your district. It enables you to further your relationship with them and educate them on issues of importance to orthopaedic surgeons. Your stories about providing care to your patients and the “on the ground” impact of congressional decisions can make a real difference in shaping outcomes.

Donald M. Berwick, MD, named CMS administrator

By Jamie A. Gregorian, Esq. Recess appointment receives mixed reviews On July 7, in a move that delighted Democrats and infuriated Republicans, President Obama used his recess appointment power to install Donald M. Berwick, MD, as administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The White House statement announcing the appointment accused Senate Republicans of stalling Dr.